Monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) in schools is a useful tool for evaluating indoor air quality and guaranteeing a secure and effective learning environment. Both kids and teachers may have negative health impacts from high CO2 levels, such as headaches, sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. High CO2 levels in schools have been linked to lower learning outcomes, shorter attention spans, and poor academic performance, according to studies.
The importance of this issue is such that several states are stepping up to provide funding for schools to have healthier ventilation. As an illustration, California’s Assembly Bill 841 (also known as AB-841 and AB841) aims to make it more affordable for educational institutions to purchase and maintain CO2 monitoring apparatus.
“The CalSHAPE Ventilation Program provides funding to local educational agencies for the reasonable costs of HVAC assessment, general maintenance and adjustment, filter replacement, and carbon dioxide monitor installation including certain repairs, replacements, and other improvements to HVAC systems.”
What CO2 Levels Are Allowed In Schools?
For indoor classrooms, the optimum CO2 level according to ASHRAE 62.1 standard is 1,000 parts per million (ppm) or less. 1,100 ppm is the minimum warning level required by California for AB-841 consideration. Over this range, concentrations may have detrimental impacts on cognitive function and human health. The body’s oxygen supply is reduced by high CO2 levels, which can lead to an increase in heart rate and a decline in cognitive function.
In order to maintain appropriate CO2 levels in schools, it is crucial to comprehend the sources of CO2 and how it affects human health. Human breathing is the most frequent source of CO2 in schools, and it builds up fast in spaces with inadequate ventilation. HVAC systems that have been poorly installed or maintained are additional frequent sources.
Choosing A CO2 Monitor For An Educational Setting
There are several varieties of CO2 monitors available, such as those that are wall-mounted, desktop, handheld, and integrated into thermostats. ACO2 monitor should be chosen with the educational setting in mind, taking into account aspects like accuracy, dependability, and user-friendliness. Also take note that CO2 monitors must have a hardwired power connection for AB-841 to function. Batteries are not permitted.
Moreover, data logging CO2 monitors, such the GZAIR 1200P Series, facilitate the gathering and examination of extended indoor air quality records. In order to make more informed judgments about building design, HVAC system maintenance, and other environmental controls, this helps discover trends and patterns in indoor air quality.
Putting CO2 Monitoring in Place in Schools
The location of CO2 monitors in a school must be determined by first identifying high-risk regions. The following are a few of the main causes of CO2 buildup in schools:
Classrooms
The majority of a student’s and teacher’s day is spent in the classroom, where crowded or inadequately ventilated spaces can result in elevated CO2 levels.
Gyms: In addition to being huge areas with a lot of physical activity, gyms may also lack windows or have inadequate ventilation, which can make the problem worse.
Cafeterias: Similar to gymnasiums, cafeterias are frequently vast, bustling areas. In addition, they can have other contaminated items including cooking equipment that raises CO2 levels.
To make sure that interior air quality is kept at acceptable levels, schools should routinely check CO2 levels. The size of the school, the number of residents, and the ventilation system are some of the variables that affect how frequently the building is inspected.
It’s also critical to remember that, depending on occupancy levels and ventilation patterns, CO2 levels might change over the day. The most effective way to reduce danger is to monitor CO2 continuously and in real time.
Maintenance And Calibration For School CO2 Monitors
For CO2 monitors in schools to be operational and to give reliable readings, regular calibration and maintenance are necessary. The following rules apply to the upkeep and calibration of CO2 sensors in educational institutions:
Regular Maintenance
Regular checks are necessary to make sure CO2 monitors are operating correctly. This include verifying the monitor’s proper mounting and looking for any physical damage.
Calibration
outdated electrochemical methods To guarantee that they are giving correct readings, CO2 monitors must be calibrated on a regular basis. In order to make sure the monitor is providing reliable data, calibration entails comparing the monitor’s results to a reference standard of 400 ppm, which is outside in fresh air. This should be done at least once a year, and more frequently if the monitor is subjected to adverse weather conditions that could influence its accuracy, such as high or low temperatures or high humidity.
More recent CO2 sensor innovations For CO2 sensing, NDIR and photoacoustic NDIR sensors are available; photoacoustic NDIR sensors are the ideal choice for settings like classrooms. This most recent technology is included in the GZAIR CO2 sensorS. Compared to several CO2 sensor methods, the accuracy of photoacoustic NDIR sensors is improved. These cutting-edge products come with a minimum five-year warranty against the need for recalibration and a life expectancy of over ten years. They automatically self-calibrate.
CO2 Monitors in Schools: Things to Think About
A selection of Smart(er) CO2 monitors from GZAIR are perfect for use in classrooms. All of these internet-connected monitors have user-friendly interfaces, data logging features, customizable relays, and event scheduling to guarantee a secure and cozy learning environment.
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